New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-12-03
E1RCE UITU 4 MORAL.

President Grcvy has retired from the political
stage in disgrace. If he had earned the respect
Of all groups in the Chamber Of Deputies by his
services to the Republic and bis unspottcd
character he alienatcd the sympathy Of his
most indugcnt friends by the il-tmcd farce
of Withdrawing his resignation for twenty four
hours He miStool the well meant compassion
Of Il few of his Republican associates for wei
grounded political support. In a moment OF
scnilo infatuatOn he resolved TO make ono
more effort TO form a Ministry and to remain III
Office. He deliberately broke faith both win
the Ministry and with the Chambers In with
holding his resignation. lis predecessor WAS
both obstinate and reckless when the so-caiIcd
Polianac Cabinet was formed IN defiance or
the Republican Deputies: but he was never
undgnifcd nor yet stupid President GrcVy
forfeited the respect Of all factions and parties
in France when he played fast and loose with
hedges only a week old and mcnaccd Pafa
with the dangers Of barlcadcs and "A rald on
the Elyscc. II was Il theatrical exhibition 81
his own cIcdulity and folly, since any well
informed adviser could have warned him OF
the futility of 50 desperate and thouEhtlcSS an
attempt to defy public opinion. lie knows
this now to his humiliation and shame. The
Deputies united as one man against him. His
oucrulous resignation followed yesterday. The
onco-rcspcctcd President was fairly hootcd OF
the stage.
This wrctchcd farce on which the curtain
was rng down so quickly has served one use
full purpose. 1t has demonstrated the stability
Of republican Institutions in France. Pract-
caIlv there has been no Government since the
defeat of the Rouvicr Ministry. The Ministers
remained in Office solely for the purpose OF
dcccntlv conducting Presidential funeral and
the moment there were signs OF terminated
obstnacy in the corpse they dropped thclt
mourning badges and resigned once more
There was neither Ministry nor Executive
worthy Of the name; yet there was sufficient
power in reserve in democratic institutions TO
carry Paris through a crisis winch hltocn
years ago would have led to barbados, blood
she'd and revolution. The Chambers nam
tanned their scf-command and stcrnly held the
President to a fufilmcnt Of his broken pledges
There was intense excitement i'll the streets
and brisk skirmishing between the mih-ary and
the crowds, but the Republic was not at the
mercy Of a turbulent mob. a crisis which in
1890 or 1913 would have brought with 1t a
exciting political canvass. There was no lack
Of civic courage anywhere. The storm ana
stress Of an cycntful day in national politics
fraught with startling surprises passed without
subjccting republican institutions to any rack
ing strain
The danger Is not over, since the success
sion to the Presidency has yet TO be determined
But the stcadncss Of French securities and the
calm and dgnifcd attitude of the Chambers
arc most favorable augurics OF the peaceful
issue Of to-day's election. The Republican
groups arc to meet this morning in ." nary
session" before the assembling Of the National
Assembly. This is an application OF the Amer
lean institution fami arly known as the caucus.
The Republicans arc expected to agree upon "a
candidate among themselves and then TO elect
him during the afternoon by voting together
If tho Royalists attempt TO divide the Repub-
hcan vote By supporting NJ Ferry, exciting
scenes may be expected to-day. II The caucus
candidate receives unbrokcn support from the
Republicans, NJ. de Freycinct, VI. lirsson. VI.
Floquct or some equally safe candidate viii
be chosen and all will BIO well.